Thursday
Its Anna and Sam, so the days are running together..and as far as we can tell..we went to Jimmy Hughes Thursday morning...theres a chance that we did something before that..but..well its getting late..and we cant remember..
So anyways..Jimmy Hughes was a great facility, the kids were awesome. They showed us the rehab center, and we met Salvador, who has an amazing testimony about being brought to Jesus after a life of drugs and violence, and at the end he rapped for us!! After that Jimmy Hughes talked with us, and shared his story with us, and talked about the childrens home and rehab center.
A little later we headed out for Didasko Orphanage. This orphanage has been struggling financially, because they had lost some of their main support, so our team raised enough money {$3000} to give them, which will feed these amazing kids for another month! God is awesome, and faithful!!
We then went to Valle De Angeles to do some shopping, eat dinner at a nice restaraunt with amazing food, and then went to Santa Lucia. In Santa Lucia we went to the oldest Cathedral in the Western Hemisphere that is still standing. There we had our devo and the singing sounded amazing in this place!!
Friday
Friday morning we split up our team into three groups, and headed to Santa Ana to build 3 houses. BUT...Welcome to Honduras..the wood showed up to only one of the three house sites..so while that team built in the pouring rain ALL DAY, the rest of us helped out with the 15 kids at Casa De Esperanza. Once the whole team got to Casa we had a baleada dinner, and played with the kids until bedtime. We spent the night at Casa.
Saturday
When we got up we played with the kids at Casa, and had donuts for breakfast. About 10 people on our team got up early and went to finish the house that was started yesterday, and built another one. This group endured working in the extremely hot weather, and then of course the rain. The rest of our group loaded up the bus, and went to Ojojona to do a little more shopping. After that we went to Casitas Kennedy, which is the state run orphanage. Our team has seen a lot of things on this trip, but this place could possibly be the worst we've seen yet. These kids have had the worst of the worst life. Many of them have been abused, abandoned, and neglected for much of their short lives. So we spent some time playing with them and letting them know that they are loved and havent been forgotten, we also had a pizza lunch with them, which they enjoyed a whole lot!!
Then we went to Hospital Escuela and split into 4 groups, and went from floor to floor playing with some sick kiddos, and just being with them, because many of them were alone for whatever reason. This hospital is a free hospital, so the poorest of the poor come here because they have no where else to go. This hospital is very run down, and they dont have all the luxuries of medical technologies that we have in the states. One little girl that some people on our team got to spend time with was abused by one of the nurses on the staff, and something happened with her bones that causes her to shake all the time now. The nurse didnt even get fired after this incident with this young girl.
We all ended up back at the mission house for an amazing dinner, then some people went to play soccer, while others went to the pulperia for crepes.
Tomorrow we will get up early to have our last devo at the Jesus Statue, and then we will grab a fast food lunch, and get on the plane to head home! Please keep us in your prayers as we travel!
Much Love
Anna & Sam
P.S-- Rachel, I'm not dead. =] Anna
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thoughts from Wednesday
It was a busy day today, and we are very tired, so here are a few of things that we did today. This morning 6 or 7 members of our team left at 6:00AM to go finish building a house that was started yesterday. The rest of us loaded 250 food bags onto the bus and headed out to distribute them under a bridge in Teguc. All 250 bags were sent home with hungry families. After finishing that we went to Nueva Oriental which is a feeding center that feeds 300 kids per day in a room that is about the size of half of our fellowship hall. Some of us helped feed the children, while others sorted clothes for the clothing distribution. Part of our team built a house for a family who desperately needed a dry place to pillow their head every night. This family of 7 children, ranging from teenagers to one year old, was sleeping in a “house” {made of pallets nailed together, with plastic lining the inside “walls” in attempt to keep water out.} There was one mattress that was on the ground, and when it rained the water ran straight in and covered the mattress that these 7 children shared. The youngest of the children has been in the hospital fighting pneumonia from sleeping on a wet mattress. So our team did an Extreme Makeover on this house, we completely tore down the old one, and built a new one that would keep the water out of the house, and the family off the wet ground. We also bought two sets of bunk beds and a hammock to put in the house so all 7 children wont have to share the same bed. Tonight it is POURING the rain, and as we lay down tonight, we know that there is one more family that won’t be sleeping on a wet mattress, and one more baby who won’t be in the hospital with pneumonia. In the afternoon as some of our team was finishing the house, the rest of us were working at the clothing distribution where there was nothing left to give at the end of the day, and a few of us did a VBS with all the kids whose parents were shopping for new clothes. Around 6:00PM we headed back to the mission house where we had a devotional, and ordered in pizza. God has blessed all of us in so many ways today! Please keep us all in your prayers as we visit some orphanages tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Another day in Hondo :)
Hi friends, this is Summer. I just wanted to send a quick update of today's happenings. We had a few "welcome to Honduras" moments today, but it ended up being an awesome day, full of God's blessings! Our plans got flipped around, but let me tell how amazing this team is!! They just rolled with it!
Our morning started off by filling food bags. We will be giving these food bags to 200 hungry families tomorrow. We were told that this was one of the fastest food bag preps. We all had a good time, singing and filling bags of rice.
We split our guys and gals for the rest of the day. Our guys went back to the same build site, to build another house. We were told that the wood would be there by 9, but we weren't too surprised that it didn't show up until 1. Our guys were very patient, and got some good soccer in with the locals.
Our ladies had a very emotionally trying day. We started the day off at Mi Esperanza, a place that helps impoverished women, by teaching them trades so that they can feed their families. The ladies served Our Father by getting manicures and pedicures. :) These services were done by women who have gone through Mi Esperanza. It really was nice to relax, but also awesome to be able to help them.
After spending time with Mi Esperanza, our ladies went to a very poor neighborhood to spend time with the children. God really is using our team in so many ways! I love watching everyone disperse, and find their group of kids. We had people coloring, singing, tracing hands, playing baseball etc. Near the end of our visit, Jen was approached by Noah, a local to this village. Noah is living in a house that TORCH built. He told us that there is a family in great need of a home. The team leads went with Noah (and probably 25 children) to see the existing home. I have seen poverty before, but have never seen anything like this. This home was built of wood scraps, probably 7x7, had only one twin mattress on the floor. This house is home to a mother and her 7 children. The youngest child is now in the hospital with pneumonia. The mattress in the house gets submerged every time it rains. This man went out of his way to ask if we could build this family a house, because he is concerned for them. We prayed about it, and Lord willing, we will be building there tomorrow.
The ladies then headed to Hospital Esquala, which is a free hospital. Most of our team went to visit with children in the cancer wing. Our ladies truly let God work in and through them. They were such a blessing to these kids and their families! We then went to see the malnourished children. This hospital visit was very taxing on all of us. It was hard to see so much pain and anguish, but I know that our ladies brought so much joy!
God is so evident in each member of this team! Please keep praying for us. Pray that we will be able to accomplish as much as God has marked out for us. Pray that fatigue wont overcome us. Pray that we will continue to receive opportunities, and that God will continue to bless this nation through us.
Keep posted for more updates. I would love to share more, but we have a long day ahead of us. Love to all!
HEYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whats up everyone, whats going on? I hope all is well with you all and that you guys aint worrying to much about me because im fine, for real im fine. I hope everyone is praying for Team Honduras because God is doing his thing out here. He is real if anyone thinks hes not make sure you tell him he is real. Yo, I learned some new words like much love which is mucho amor and the kids are having a blast out here because I told them my name in Spanish which is cuu the letter Q, I think that how its spelled. Yo, Tell moms that I am good and tell the kids at the club to stop running in the gamesroom. I hope everyone is doing good and I kind of miss you all and I do love you all. I really thank you all for all that you have done for me because I know I shouldn’t even be alive to type this but it wasnt my decision to keep me alive it was my fathers and everyone one of yall no that. If anyone gets a chance please tell my brothers (twins) to make sure they eat and shower. Oh yeah tell them to not play video games for more than 1-2 hours. Aiight I wont stop praying if yall wont and I love you all. Much love to all my family and friends and loved ones. Africa (as the kids call me in Honduras) signing off
Caleb Canton
AKA Q
Marty, Luke, and Ryder,
Hi all my boys---I love you so much.
Evan really really wants to know if you got ahold of his coach about next week—going to Austin’s. He wants to make sure it won’t mess up his chances of playing varsity or anything else. If it’s ok with his coach he wants to go if you can arrange it—Regina or someone will know their number or how to get it.
Everything is going great here. Maybe next summer we can all come. It’s unbelievable---everyone needs to experience this.
Keep saying a prayer for us everyday.
I miss all 3 of you so much and can’t wait to see you.
Kisses…hugs
Evan has been playing street soccer with Hondurans—it’s a mission for the older boys. Evan has also been sick. He hurled in the middle of the Honduran wilderness---on a 6 foot long machete. Oh the stories we have. Say a special prayer that he’ll feel better.
Hi to everyone else—see you soon.
By the way, no more fear of airplanes—the buses here are…………wicked. The Beast X 10.
LOVE, Love, love you guys,
Jama and Mom and Momma
Mom, and Dad
Im having a great time here and its really a life experience. I really wish you could have come with me but you can come next year with me so start saving. So many stories. Talk to you soon.
love Dustin
Hey Everyone!
This has been so amazing so far...this is truly what IT is all about. I can’t wait to share all my stories…I’m still trying to figure out how to put a little nine year old boy named Jimmy in my suitcase…he was at our worksite and he kept coming over and wanting to hang out with me…it was awesome. By the end of the day we had bonded quite a bit…when we had to leave he told me ‘good bye’…we had worked on that one all day…and then he really stole my heart when he said…in English… ‘I love you’…that was soooo sweet.
Today we visited a feeding center and I played baseball…it was fun...I made a double play! We also went to a childrens hospital and visited with kids there...a lot of the time we just sat there and rubbed their arms and legs…it was pretty difficult.
Oh…I also want to bring back one of our Honduran cooks…they are amazing…the dinners here are deliciouso!
Alright…my time is up. Abby is going to give me a haircut! Good night! I love you bunches! Chris, I should be calling home tomorrow evening…so answer your cell!
Thanks for the email Papaw! J
Erica
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to write and say that everything is going smoothly! I am having a great time. This is an experience I will never forget. If someone in my family is reading this, we get to call home tomorrow so make sure you answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number. Love you all.
Miranda
Hi Alan, Grant and Alana,
I sure hope you were able to figure out how to get on this blog. The trip has been quite something so far. We built two houses yesterday. The boys built today and the girls did some other things. We will have lots of things to tell you. Hope you guys are okey, we miss you and we love you. Love Susan(Mom)
Hello Everyone,
I’m not even sure that I have words to describe our experiences so far. Hannah and I are doing well – tired, but ok. We helped build a house yesterday, literally on a mountainside that we had to hike up the hill to. It poured the rain, but we sang “Lord Reign in Me” – not “rain on me”. Anyway, it was a great experience. Today we went to a feeding center – the kids constantly bombard us wherever we go. We then went to a state run hospital and visited the pediatric oncology ward and the malnutrition floor. I do not have words to describe that experience. You all would have been so proud of Hannah – she went to the sickest (sp?) child in the oncology unit and sat there and rubbed his arm and talked very quietly to him. It moved me to tears. Last night we went to the “Statue of Jesus” for our evening devo – a huge statue that overlooks the city of Tegusigolo (sp?).
Time to go to bed – others are waiting. We love you all and miss you. Oh by the way, Hannah is married – to Walter Guerra! Just kidding – he was protecting her from the Honduran boys at our work site yesterday. Don’t be scared Dad – she was fine! They just thought she was pretty. Love you all bunches and miss you. Rachael, Q says hello.
Hi Mom – doing fine! Love you, Becky and Hannah
Hey! Gotta make this quick, but I love and miss you all : ) Things have been difficult yet so amazing. I can’t even believe all that’s happened. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Please continue to pray for me and the whole team. Like I said, I love ya!
Abby Miller, Xenia
MILLERS (Marietta)
Hey I am the last to go and we are already supposed to be off of here so this must be quick. Things are still going great. I am enjoying myself and changing more with each experience. I have so many stories to tell you guys and pictures to share with you, but I will Never be able to explain this experience to the extent that you would understand. I am sorry this is short, but I love you guys so much, and appreciate the cards you sent. It is really helping me through this trip. Miss you guys, can’t wait to see you!! By the way, we should get a chance to call home tomorrow, so bring your cell phone with you Mom, I will call it. Love, Abby
Our morning started off by filling food bags. We will be giving these food bags to 200 hungry families tomorrow. We were told that this was one of the fastest food bag preps. We all had a good time, singing and filling bags of rice.
We split our guys and gals for the rest of the day. Our guys went back to the same build site, to build another house. We were told that the wood would be there by 9, but we weren't too surprised that it didn't show up until 1. Our guys were very patient, and got some good soccer in with the locals.
Our ladies had a very emotionally trying day. We started the day off at Mi Esperanza, a place that helps impoverished women, by teaching them trades so that they can feed their families. The ladies served Our Father by getting manicures and pedicures. :) These services were done by women who have gone through Mi Esperanza. It really was nice to relax, but also awesome to be able to help them.
After spending time with Mi Esperanza, our ladies went to a very poor neighborhood to spend time with the children. God really is using our team in so many ways! I love watching everyone disperse, and find their group of kids. We had people coloring, singing, tracing hands, playing baseball etc. Near the end of our visit, Jen was approached by Noah, a local to this village. Noah is living in a house that TORCH built. He told us that there is a family in great need of a home. The team leads went with Noah (and probably 25 children) to see the existing home. I have seen poverty before, but have never seen anything like this. This home was built of wood scraps, probably 7x7, had only one twin mattress on the floor. This house is home to a mother and her 7 children. The youngest child is now in the hospital with pneumonia. The mattress in the house gets submerged every time it rains. This man went out of his way to ask if we could build this family a house, because he is concerned for them. We prayed about it, and Lord willing, we will be building there tomorrow.
The ladies then headed to Hospital Esquala, which is a free hospital. Most of our team went to visit with children in the cancer wing. Our ladies truly let God work in and through them. They were such a blessing to these kids and their families! We then went to see the malnourished children. This hospital visit was very taxing on all of us. It was hard to see so much pain and anguish, but I know that our ladies brought so much joy!
God is so evident in each member of this team! Please keep praying for us. Pray that we will be able to accomplish as much as God has marked out for us. Pray that fatigue wont overcome us. Pray that we will continue to receive opportunities, and that God will continue to bless this nation through us.
Keep posted for more updates. I would love to share more, but we have a long day ahead of us. Love to all!
HEYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whats up everyone, whats going on? I hope all is well with you all and that you guys aint worrying to much about me because im fine, for real im fine. I hope everyone is praying for Team Honduras because God is doing his thing out here. He is real if anyone thinks hes not make sure you tell him he is real. Yo, I learned some new words like much love which is mucho amor and the kids are having a blast out here because I told them my name in Spanish which is cuu the letter Q, I think that how its spelled. Yo, Tell moms that I am good and tell the kids at the club to stop running in the gamesroom. I hope everyone is doing good and I kind of miss you all and I do love you all. I really thank you all for all that you have done for me because I know I shouldn’t even be alive to type this but it wasnt my decision to keep me alive it was my fathers and everyone one of yall no that. If anyone gets a chance please tell my brothers (twins) to make sure they eat and shower. Oh yeah tell them to not play video games for more than 1-2 hours. Aiight I wont stop praying if yall wont and I love you all. Much love to all my family and friends and loved ones. Africa (as the kids call me in Honduras) signing off
Caleb Canton
AKA Q
Marty, Luke, and Ryder,
Hi all my boys---I love you so much.
Evan really really wants to know if you got ahold of his coach about next week—going to Austin’s. He wants to make sure it won’t mess up his chances of playing varsity or anything else. If it’s ok with his coach he wants to go if you can arrange it—Regina or someone will know their number or how to get it.
Everything is going great here. Maybe next summer we can all come. It’s unbelievable---everyone needs to experience this.
Keep saying a prayer for us everyday.
I miss all 3 of you so much and can’t wait to see you.
Kisses…hugs
Evan has been playing street soccer with Hondurans—it’s a mission for the older boys. Evan has also been sick. He hurled in the middle of the Honduran wilderness---on a 6 foot long machete. Oh the stories we have. Say a special prayer that he’ll feel better.
Hi to everyone else—see you soon.
By the way, no more fear of airplanes—the buses here are…………wicked. The Beast X 10.
LOVE, Love, love you guys,
Jama and Mom and Momma
Mom, and Dad
Im having a great time here and its really a life experience. I really wish you could have come with me but you can come next year with me so start saving. So many stories. Talk to you soon.
love Dustin
Hey Everyone!
This has been so amazing so far...this is truly what IT is all about. I can’t wait to share all my stories…I’m still trying to figure out how to put a little nine year old boy named Jimmy in my suitcase…he was at our worksite and he kept coming over and wanting to hang out with me…it was awesome. By the end of the day we had bonded quite a bit…when we had to leave he told me ‘good bye’…we had worked on that one all day…and then he really stole my heart when he said…in English… ‘I love you’…that was soooo sweet.
Today we visited a feeding center and I played baseball…it was fun...I made a double play! We also went to a childrens hospital and visited with kids there...a lot of the time we just sat there and rubbed their arms and legs…it was pretty difficult.
Oh…I also want to bring back one of our Honduran cooks…they are amazing…the dinners here are deliciouso!
Alright…my time is up. Abby is going to give me a haircut! Good night! I love you bunches! Chris, I should be calling home tomorrow evening…so answer your cell!
Thanks for the email Papaw! J
Erica
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to write and say that everything is going smoothly! I am having a great time. This is an experience I will never forget. If someone in my family is reading this, we get to call home tomorrow so make sure you answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number. Love you all.
Miranda
Hi Alan, Grant and Alana,
I sure hope you were able to figure out how to get on this blog. The trip has been quite something so far. We built two houses yesterday. The boys built today and the girls did some other things. We will have lots of things to tell you. Hope you guys are okey, we miss you and we love you. Love Susan(Mom)
Hello Everyone,
I’m not even sure that I have words to describe our experiences so far. Hannah and I are doing well – tired, but ok. We helped build a house yesterday, literally on a mountainside that we had to hike up the hill to. It poured the rain, but we sang “Lord Reign in Me” – not “rain on me”. Anyway, it was a great experience. Today we went to a feeding center – the kids constantly bombard us wherever we go. We then went to a state run hospital and visited the pediatric oncology ward and the malnutrition floor. I do not have words to describe that experience. You all would have been so proud of Hannah – she went to the sickest (sp?) child in the oncology unit and sat there and rubbed his arm and talked very quietly to him. It moved me to tears. Last night we went to the “Statue of Jesus” for our evening devo – a huge statue that overlooks the city of Tegusigolo (sp?).
Time to go to bed – others are waiting. We love you all and miss you. Oh by the way, Hannah is married – to Walter Guerra! Just kidding – he was protecting her from the Honduran boys at our work site yesterday. Don’t be scared Dad – she was fine! They just thought she was pretty. Love you all bunches and miss you. Rachael, Q says hello.
Hi Mom – doing fine! Love you, Becky and Hannah
Hey! Gotta make this quick, but I love and miss you all : ) Things have been difficult yet so amazing. I can’t even believe all that’s happened. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Please continue to pray for me and the whole team. Like I said, I love ya!
Abby Miller, Xenia
MILLERS (Marietta)
Hey I am the last to go and we are already supposed to be off of here so this must be quick. Things are still going great. I am enjoying myself and changing more with each experience. I have so many stories to tell you guys and pictures to share with you, but I will Never be able to explain this experience to the extent that you would understand. I am sorry this is short, but I love you guys so much, and appreciate the cards you sent. It is really helping me through this trip. Miss you guys, can’t wait to see you!! By the way, we should get a chance to call home tomorrow, so bring your cell phone with you Mom, I will call it. Love, Abby
Climbing the Mountain (Day 2)
Yesterday the group was divided into two teams (dingo & fuerte, dingo is an inside joke). Both groups were taken as far as the bus could travel (much farther than most bus drivers in the US would dare go--the rides remind you sometimes that we are always near to eternity).
One team (fuerte) went to a church that works on one of the mountains. They interacted with children and adults, helped build a classroom for the church, and found the people to be helpful. The team did more they had imagined they could (as builders) and God used them in building his kingdom through showing Jesus and seeing him and his work in the world.
The other team (dingo) came to the bottom of a hill covered with houses, looked up a path, and were told they had to take the tools up to the work site. No problem. Then they learned they had to take the lumber to the top... Eventually the team got everything in place just as the rain storm came they were putting the roof and the finishing up the fourth wall of the house. The family who would live there came in as the wife and husband, dressed in their Sunday best, helped with the finishing touches and cried.
Last night our devotional was on the top of the Mountain where a large statue depicting Jesus is erected so it can look over the city of Tegucilgapa.
God bless.
One team (fuerte) went to a church that works on one of the mountains. They interacted with children and adults, helped build a classroom for the church, and found the people to be helpful. The team did more they had imagined they could (as builders) and God used them in building his kingdom through showing Jesus and seeing him and his work in the world.
The other team (dingo) came to the bottom of a hill covered with houses, looked up a path, and were told they had to take the tools up to the work site. No problem. Then they learned they had to take the lumber to the top... Eventually the team got everything in place just as the rain storm came they were putting the roof and the finishing up the fourth wall of the house. The family who would live there came in as the wife and husband, dressed in their Sunday best, helped with the finishing touches and cried.
Last night our devotional was on the top of the Mountain where a large statue depicting Jesus is erected so it can look over the city of Tegucilgapa.
God bless.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Welcome To Honduras
Hello Friends!
We had a "Welcome to Honduras" moment when we tried to post to this blog last night and this morning and didn't have any internet connection! So first off, let me tell you that we are all safe and sound. You all should be so proud of those you've sent to work this week in Honduras. Today was our first full day and let me tell you they already have hearts fully invested in the people they've met today.
We arrived yesterday on time, but not all of our luggage made it- and again "Welcome to Honduras!" Thankfully most of us packed our clothes in our carry-ons and for those who didn't, it's ok because their luggage arrived and we'll pick it up in the morning. Went across the street after we got here- just crossing the street in Honduras can be an adventure- and went to see Jen's kids from the Casa de Esperanza children's home. Hugged them and then went back across the street to get on the bus and head up the mountain to the mission house. Orientation was with Mark Connell, a delightful man of God who has been leading TORCH teams to Honduras for years. He brought us up to speed on what to do and what not to do while we're here. Had dinner, met for devo, and moved some suitcases around before we headed to bed, tuckered out from our travels.
This morning we were up early, had breakfast and devo and loaded the bus to go to church at Los Pinos, which is a mountainside community that opened our eyes to an entirely different way of living. Many in our group witnessed for the first time what life looks like in a third world country and they were overwhelmed to say the least. Next we were blessed with the privilege of praising God with the church meeting at Los Pinos. Their hearts were evident in their faces as they worshipped and as they shook all of our hands when the service was over. What a joy to worship alongside the brothers and sisters of that community. It was a lovely lesson in the unity we find in Christ.
We had a little extra time before the Good Shepherd's childrens' home was expecting us so we called another childrens' home, Jovenes en Camino, "Children In the Way," and asked if we could stop in for 45 minutes. They said ok! So we visited there and were able to love on some of those kiddos and remind them God loves them.
Then it was time for Good Shepherd. This is one of my absolute favorites, and became a favorite for a lot of our team today. This place is run by a couple who heard God's call years and years ago to come and do a childrens' home in Honduras. They said yes and now years later, after expanding over and over, they are now parents to 223 chilren. I say the word parents intentionally, because they are. They know all of the children by name and love each of them as if they had them themselves. Our entire team was greeted at the bus and each had 4 or 5 children with them most of our visit. We colored, jumped rope, made jewelry, played soccer, and gave away little toys to the kids we were with. It was beautiful to see the hearts of our team connect to the hearts of the children so quickly. We do not know all of the stories of the children that we encountered, but we know that many of them had rough, awful lives before God rescued them and they found a place to be cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They are always reminded that they are loved and that God loves them. They are being raised to be followers of the Way and we were blessed to be among them today. After quite a few tearful good-byes, we were on the bus and headed back to the mission house.
We had dinner and the power went out "Welcome to Honduras!" - but it came back on after 5 or 10 minutes and all was well! We had devo and remembered that we wouldn't be here representing Jesus if it weren't for those of you who have prayed, financially supported, and are continuing to pray us through. We come are here representing Jesus above all else, but we also come representing you. And let me tell you, friends, the group made you look good today:) You truly would be so proud.
Tomorrow we will be building 2 houses in a community that we're told is the poorest of the poor. Please continue to lift us in prayer. The work is physically taxing, but our hearts also pay quite the toll. But let me guarantee you this, our team is here to work and they are delighted to serve and love even when it's hard and it hurts. Jesus shines in them and it is beautiful to witness the love of Christ being poured out on the Hondurans through this team.
We have been blessed that we may be a blessing. Please continue to lift us in prayer. Our God is so faithful.
Here are a few words from your loved ones!
June 10 – Blog Notes
Hi Mom, Dad, Ris, And Jenna,
We arrived safe. Having a wonderful time so far. I will have lots of stories and pictures to show you. I love you all and miss you.
Miranda
Hey “Madre”
I love you and wish you where here today with me so you could see the smiles on these kids faces and the love and trust in these kids hearts and the fact that they can trust you immediately with no previous relationship. It’s a phenomenal feeling inside it’s where I’m coming when I graduate neways love u lots call you when I get back. Wish you where here.
Luke Webster
Hola Familia,
Well I am here in Honduras and the airport in Houston Texas has failed to put on some of our luggage and it happened to be one of my suitcases which is the one that had all my personal stuff in. So yea I have no clothes except for what I had in my carry on until tomorrow hopefully. This place is amazing and reaching out to these kids and showing God’s Love is so humbling and it’s awesome. Tomorrow we are building houses for one of the poorest towns around here. I am so blessed to be here. Well I will blog another time we don’t have much time to blog so I will blog tomorrow or another day God Bless familia and see you soon.
God Bless,
Me llamo Daniel`
MILLER FAMILY AND ALLTEL FRIENDS,
Hey guys!! We made it to Honduras, all in one piece!! Just so everyone knows, I cried a little before the first flight, but was fine from there on. Words can not express the amazing experience I am having, and it is only the end of day one. I have cried, and laughed, and seen Jesus in SO many places. I have been humbled and reminded over and over how amazing God is. I will no doubt, come back to you all a different person. And honestly, I think I will have a hard time leaving this beautiful place. I have fallen in love with this place, and Mom WE are coming back next year. Actually, I think the whole family should come, because I will never be able to communicate in words what this is like. I can not wait to come home and show you all pictures and tell you all the amazing stories that I will have. I love you guys so much and I appreciate the fact that you are continually praying for me. I know you are because all the things I feared are nothing to worry about. If I can I will write again, if not see you when I get home!!!Love, Abby
Hola Clark Family (Peter and Rachael) and Haugh Family,
We made it!! It is an amazing place, difficult to describe in an email and put into words. We are having a great time – we visited two children’s homes today and fell in love with several kids. Sorry Rach – no little ones coming home in a suitcase – but we’ve got lots of pictures! Our church experience was amazing this morning – worshipping with our Honduran brothers and sisters will be a highlight of this trip. Tomorrow we build our first houses in “the poorest of the poor” areas. Should be heart-wrenching, but wonderful. We love you all and miss you bunches. Keep praying for our team.
Love, Mom and Hannah. This is from Hannah- It is sooo amazing here!! I am definitely in love with this place!! We went to a children’s home today and some of the girls there stole my heart! It was so hard to leave all of them! Church service this morning was just amazing!! Well people are waiting in line so I better go! I love you all very much!!
Hello Alan, Grant and Alana, Just wanted to let you know we made it. It has been quite the experience from the time we left home. Seth is good. We visited two children’s homes today and went to church on the side of a mountain. The bus ride to and from the church gave me a few more grey hairs. We build tomorrow. Pray that we have physical and mental strength. We love you. Hope you are doing okey. Eat a piece of pizza for us at the porch. Love you.
Hola Everyone!
Today was amazing. We visited two children’s homes today and just spent time hanging out with the kids. Donna kept telling us to ‘get ready to love on some kids’…Well, we didn’t really have a choice. They gathered around the bus and chose us by grabbing our hands as we walked off. It was so neat having a perfect stranger just automatically loving you. We also went to church and worshipped in Spanish…that was cool. The people there lived in shacks on a huge mountain that I would’ve sworn a bus could not get to…but I now know otherwise. After church they announced that we were going to be building houses for people whom were very poor and that what they had was luxurious compared to what these other people are currently living in…wow…and I thought they were living poorly. I miss you all and can’t wait to show you all my pictures. I love you Chris. Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite…… I love you all.
Erica
Hello all,
We arrived safely in Honduras around 3:30 Saturday. Honduras is such a beautiful country – very mountainous. Today we went to a Spanish church and visited two orphanages. Hanging out with the kids and playing with them was so much fun! We went there to love and embrace the kids but they really loved and embraced us. It was very rewarding and hard to say goodbye to them. Tomorrow we are going to build houses on the side of a mountain which should be quite an experience. Well, it’s getting late. Hope to write more later ~ Beth
Wow… How do I begin? I’ve been having an amazing time here in Honduras, and that means I’m safe so, Mom, you can stop worrying : ) My first flight was interesting, and the second soon followed it. I decided something though while on my first flights; that God allowed us the intelligence to be able to fly so we could know how small we really are, and how great that makes him. Everything like I said is going well and we were able to visit two orphanages today. The children there just touched my heart, I was so sad when I heard their stories that I started to cry. They’ve all been treated so unfairly, yet they smile and hug you like they had never been hurt in the first place. I had the privilege of holding a small girl named Raquel, she is five years old, and knew very little English and had some trouble with some Spanish things. She had reached out for my hand the moment I stepped off the bus, and didn’t leave my side the rest of the time I was there. She was so shy at first, but near the end of our time together she had me holding her in my arms, squeezing me tight, and smiling so sweetly at me. I miss her so much already. Thank you so much to everyone who has made this trip possible for me, because I never could have done it on my own. Thank you also to everyone back in the states who’s praying for me and my team, I miss you all ; ) This trip is going to be amazing. I just hope that I can be used and grown by God in ways I could never imagine possible.
Abby
Marty, Luke, and Ryder,
Hi!!! I miss you guys very much and love you very much too!! We made it here safely, everyone’s fine and we’re having a fabulous time. This is a trip that is going to be really hard to explain. It is very sad, and poor. The children are adorable. I wish we could bring some home with us. I can’t wait to see you all and tell you all about it. We all need to come back sometime. It is definitely an experience that will change our lives. I have to go, but tell everyone we’re fine. Evan played soccer with kids at 2 different orphanages today. The boys loved it and it was great to see. Love you guys---and mom and dad if you read this—you too.
Love,
Jama
Hey there Ma and Daddy and, my faithful prayerful friends,
Derek and I are doing great- you’d be so proud of him. Today at Good Shepherd he loved on those kids and spun them in circles and played soccer with them. It was good to watch him with them. I hope you’ll come see it first hand sometime. I got to see Lupe, the little girl that I held the entire time I was at Good Shepherd the first time I came to Honduras, and she let me hold her again this time. Her smile is one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed this far in life. I feel like I could live most days, just to see my four-year-old Lupe smile. We’re blessed. We truly are. Can’t say it enough. God is using this team in big ways and he’s changing us all along the way. Thank you for praying. I love you all dearly. See you soon!
In His Shadow,
Donna
We had a "Welcome to Honduras" moment when we tried to post to this blog last night and this morning and didn't have any internet connection! So first off, let me tell you that we are all safe and sound. You all should be so proud of those you've sent to work this week in Honduras. Today was our first full day and let me tell you they already have hearts fully invested in the people they've met today.
We arrived yesterday on time, but not all of our luggage made it- and again "Welcome to Honduras!" Thankfully most of us packed our clothes in our carry-ons and for those who didn't, it's ok because their luggage arrived and we'll pick it up in the morning. Went across the street after we got here- just crossing the street in Honduras can be an adventure- and went to see Jen's kids from the Casa de Esperanza children's home. Hugged them and then went back across the street to get on the bus and head up the mountain to the mission house. Orientation was with Mark Connell, a delightful man of God who has been leading TORCH teams to Honduras for years. He brought us up to speed on what to do and what not to do while we're here. Had dinner, met for devo, and moved some suitcases around before we headed to bed, tuckered out from our travels.
This morning we were up early, had breakfast and devo and loaded the bus to go to church at Los Pinos, which is a mountainside community that opened our eyes to an entirely different way of living. Many in our group witnessed for the first time what life looks like in a third world country and they were overwhelmed to say the least. Next we were blessed with the privilege of praising God with the church meeting at Los Pinos. Their hearts were evident in their faces as they worshipped and as they shook all of our hands when the service was over. What a joy to worship alongside the brothers and sisters of that community. It was a lovely lesson in the unity we find in Christ.
We had a little extra time before the Good Shepherd's childrens' home was expecting us so we called another childrens' home, Jovenes en Camino, "Children In the Way," and asked if we could stop in for 45 minutes. They said ok! So we visited there and were able to love on some of those kiddos and remind them God loves them.
Then it was time for Good Shepherd. This is one of my absolute favorites, and became a favorite for a lot of our team today. This place is run by a couple who heard God's call years and years ago to come and do a childrens' home in Honduras. They said yes and now years later, after expanding over and over, they are now parents to 223 chilren. I say the word parents intentionally, because they are. They know all of the children by name and love each of them as if they had them themselves. Our entire team was greeted at the bus and each had 4 or 5 children with them most of our visit. We colored, jumped rope, made jewelry, played soccer, and gave away little toys to the kids we were with. It was beautiful to see the hearts of our team connect to the hearts of the children so quickly. We do not know all of the stories of the children that we encountered, but we know that many of them had rough, awful lives before God rescued them and they found a place to be cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They are always reminded that they are loved and that God loves them. They are being raised to be followers of the Way and we were blessed to be among them today. After quite a few tearful good-byes, we were on the bus and headed back to the mission house.
We had dinner and the power went out "Welcome to Honduras!" - but it came back on after 5 or 10 minutes and all was well! We had devo and remembered that we wouldn't be here representing Jesus if it weren't for those of you who have prayed, financially supported, and are continuing to pray us through. We come are here representing Jesus above all else, but we also come representing you. And let me tell you, friends, the group made you look good today:) You truly would be so proud.
Tomorrow we will be building 2 houses in a community that we're told is the poorest of the poor. Please continue to lift us in prayer. The work is physically taxing, but our hearts also pay quite the toll. But let me guarantee you this, our team is here to work and they are delighted to serve and love even when it's hard and it hurts. Jesus shines in them and it is beautiful to witness the love of Christ being poured out on the Hondurans through this team.
We have been blessed that we may be a blessing. Please continue to lift us in prayer. Our God is so faithful.
Here are a few words from your loved ones!
June 10 – Blog Notes
Hi Mom, Dad, Ris, And Jenna,
We arrived safe. Having a wonderful time so far. I will have lots of stories and pictures to show you. I love you all and miss you.
Miranda
Hey “Madre”
I love you and wish you where here today with me so you could see the smiles on these kids faces and the love and trust in these kids hearts and the fact that they can trust you immediately with no previous relationship. It’s a phenomenal feeling inside it’s where I’m coming when I graduate neways love u lots call you when I get back. Wish you where here.
Luke Webster
Hola Familia,
Well I am here in Honduras and the airport in Houston Texas has failed to put on some of our luggage and it happened to be one of my suitcases which is the one that had all my personal stuff in. So yea I have no clothes except for what I had in my carry on until tomorrow hopefully. This place is amazing and reaching out to these kids and showing God’s Love is so humbling and it’s awesome. Tomorrow we are building houses for one of the poorest towns around here. I am so blessed to be here. Well I will blog another time we don’t have much time to blog so I will blog tomorrow or another day God Bless familia and see you soon.
God Bless,
Me llamo Daniel`
MILLER FAMILY AND ALLTEL FRIENDS,
Hey guys!! We made it to Honduras, all in one piece!! Just so everyone knows, I cried a little before the first flight, but was fine from there on. Words can not express the amazing experience I am having, and it is only the end of day one. I have cried, and laughed, and seen Jesus in SO many places. I have been humbled and reminded over and over how amazing God is. I will no doubt, come back to you all a different person. And honestly, I think I will have a hard time leaving this beautiful place. I have fallen in love with this place, and Mom WE are coming back next year. Actually, I think the whole family should come, because I will never be able to communicate in words what this is like. I can not wait to come home and show you all pictures and tell you all the amazing stories that I will have. I love you guys so much and I appreciate the fact that you are continually praying for me. I know you are because all the things I feared are nothing to worry about. If I can I will write again, if not see you when I get home!!!Love, Abby
Hola Clark Family (Peter and Rachael) and Haugh Family,
We made it!! It is an amazing place, difficult to describe in an email and put into words. We are having a great time – we visited two children’s homes today and fell in love with several kids. Sorry Rach – no little ones coming home in a suitcase – but we’ve got lots of pictures! Our church experience was amazing this morning – worshipping with our Honduran brothers and sisters will be a highlight of this trip. Tomorrow we build our first houses in “the poorest of the poor” areas. Should be heart-wrenching, but wonderful. We love you all and miss you bunches. Keep praying for our team.
Love, Mom and Hannah. This is from Hannah- It is sooo amazing here!! I am definitely in love with this place!! We went to a children’s home today and some of the girls there stole my heart! It was so hard to leave all of them! Church service this morning was just amazing!! Well people are waiting in line so I better go! I love you all very much!!
Hello Alan, Grant and Alana, Just wanted to let you know we made it. It has been quite the experience from the time we left home. Seth is good. We visited two children’s homes today and went to church on the side of a mountain. The bus ride to and from the church gave me a few more grey hairs. We build tomorrow. Pray that we have physical and mental strength. We love you. Hope you are doing okey. Eat a piece of pizza for us at the porch. Love you.
Hola Everyone!
Today was amazing. We visited two children’s homes today and just spent time hanging out with the kids. Donna kept telling us to ‘get ready to love on some kids’…Well, we didn’t really have a choice. They gathered around the bus and chose us by grabbing our hands as we walked off. It was so neat having a perfect stranger just automatically loving you. We also went to church and worshipped in Spanish…that was cool. The people there lived in shacks on a huge mountain that I would’ve sworn a bus could not get to…but I now know otherwise. After church they announced that we were going to be building houses for people whom were very poor and that what they had was luxurious compared to what these other people are currently living in…wow…and I thought they were living poorly. I miss you all and can’t wait to show you all my pictures. I love you Chris. Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite…… I love you all.
Erica
Hello all,
We arrived safely in Honduras around 3:30 Saturday. Honduras is such a beautiful country – very mountainous. Today we went to a Spanish church and visited two orphanages. Hanging out with the kids and playing with them was so much fun! We went there to love and embrace the kids but they really loved and embraced us. It was very rewarding and hard to say goodbye to them. Tomorrow we are going to build houses on the side of a mountain which should be quite an experience. Well, it’s getting late. Hope to write more later ~ Beth
Wow… How do I begin? I’ve been having an amazing time here in Honduras, and that means I’m safe so, Mom, you can stop worrying : ) My first flight was interesting, and the second soon followed it. I decided something though while on my first flights; that God allowed us the intelligence to be able to fly so we could know how small we really are, and how great that makes him. Everything like I said is going well and we were able to visit two orphanages today. The children there just touched my heart, I was so sad when I heard their stories that I started to cry. They’ve all been treated so unfairly, yet they smile and hug you like they had never been hurt in the first place. I had the privilege of holding a small girl named Raquel, she is five years old, and knew very little English and had some trouble with some Spanish things. She had reached out for my hand the moment I stepped off the bus, and didn’t leave my side the rest of the time I was there. She was so shy at first, but near the end of our time together she had me holding her in my arms, squeezing me tight, and smiling so sweetly at me. I miss her so much already. Thank you so much to everyone who has made this trip possible for me, because I never could have done it on my own. Thank you also to everyone back in the states who’s praying for me and my team, I miss you all ; ) This trip is going to be amazing. I just hope that I can be used and grown by God in ways I could never imagine possible.
Abby
Marty, Luke, and Ryder,
Hi!!! I miss you guys very much and love you very much too!! We made it here safely, everyone’s fine and we’re having a fabulous time. This is a trip that is going to be really hard to explain. It is very sad, and poor. The children are adorable. I wish we could bring some home with us. I can’t wait to see you all and tell you all about it. We all need to come back sometime. It is definitely an experience that will change our lives. I have to go, but tell everyone we’re fine. Evan played soccer with kids at 2 different orphanages today. The boys loved it and it was great to see. Love you guys---and mom and dad if you read this—you too.
Love,
Jama
Hey there Ma and Daddy and, my faithful prayerful friends,
Derek and I are doing great- you’d be so proud of him. Today at Good Shepherd he loved on those kids and spun them in circles and played soccer with them. It was good to watch him with them. I hope you’ll come see it first hand sometime. I got to see Lupe, the little girl that I held the entire time I was at Good Shepherd the first time I came to Honduras, and she let me hold her again this time. Her smile is one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed this far in life. I feel like I could live most days, just to see my four-year-old Lupe smile. We’re blessed. We truly are. Can’t say it enough. God is using this team in big ways and he’s changing us all along the way. Thank you for praying. I love you all dearly. See you soon!
In His Shadow,
Donna
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